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      Who won the EFL Awards? Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna picks up top gong as ex-Man Utd coach closes in on promotion

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      GOODNESS knows what the bill was for hiring the swanky Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane on Sunday night for the EFL awards.Some guests were paying as much as almost £500 a head just to get a seat before being stung even more at the bar for overpriced bottles of beer, wine and fizz.Kieran McKenna was the Championship’s Manager of the SeasonCredit: RexBut all the great and good of the EFL were suited and booted — or wearing their best frocks — at the black tie event for the annual extravaganza.And here I break down all the winners as well as the runners and riders who they beat as well as the much-anticipated divisional teams of the yearCHAMPIONSHIPMANAGER OF THE SEASONWINNER – KIERAN McKENNA (Ipswich)Read more football newsTHIS was the worst-kept secret of the night with the Northern Irishman a shoo-in to win the top gong on the managerial front.What McKenna has achieved at Ipswich is nothing short of miraculous.Despite having a budget that is a fraction of those enjoyed by the three relegated Premier League clubs Leicester, Leeds and Southampton, the newly-promoted Suffolk club have been punching with them in what has been one of the most exciting races at the top in Championship history.McKenna – who cut his teeth coaching at Tottenham before climbing the ladder at Manchester United to assistant coach — took over the Tractor Boys just two and a half years ago when they were mid-table League One fodder.Most read in FootballAfter grabbing promotion as runners-up to Plymouth, he has only tweaked slightly with the squad, bringing in George Hirst, Jack Taylor and Ali Al-Hamadi, who have mostly been used as subs.Ipswich legend Tommy Miller believes Ipswich have the tools to make the Premier League and see off the challenge of Southampton and LeedsEven his loan signings Omari Hutchinson (Chelsea) and Jack Taylor (Man United) have been deployed off the bench — and he beefed up his attack by bringing back Kieffer Moore to the club on loan from Bournemouth.It is incredible to think the Tractor Boys are yet to lose two league games on the spin under his management and they have also broken the highest points total record for a newly-promoted club to the Championship.A popular man at the club, he has built a superb culture based on hard work, following a clear plan and a hunger to learn and develop.If he gets Ipswich promoted, he should win the main manager of the year award across the entire English football spectrum.RUNNERS-UPDANIEL FARKE (Leeds)THE German is chasing a perfect hat-trick of Championship titles — having won with Norwich in his only other two previous seasons managing in English football’s second tier.He walked into chaos at Elland Road after their relegation with players queuing up for the exit.It was not until after the transfer window closed in September that he had a settled squad bedded down. If the team fails to go up, it will be that first month that will have ultimately cost them.LIAM ROSENIOR (Hull)A bright young coach who cut his teeth as Wayne Rooney’s No2 at Derby, who decided to get rid of him and go for Paul Warne instead.But he has done a great job back in the Championship with his former club instead.Liam Rosenior has impressed as Hull bossThe swanky Grosvenor Hotel was the scene for the EFL AwardsCredit: RexHowever, if the Tigers fail to make the play-offs after the investment put in by the club’s Turkish owner, the season will be seen as a failure.A surprise nomination.PLAYER OF THE SEASONCRYSENCIO SUMMERVILLE (Leeds)HAS been scintillating for the men from Elland Road but then he should be in the Championship.His 17 goals and eight assists have been crucial in giving Leeds a puncher’s chance to win an instant promotion back to the Premier League.The Dutchman knuckled down after any possible move out of Elland Road did not materialise following relegation.Aged 22, he can get better – but at times he is unplayable.Until Saturday’s loss against Blackburn, he had played a huge part in making Elland Road a fortress.RUNNERS-UPSammie Szmodics (Blackburn), Kieran Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester)The EFL Championship Player of the Season was awarded to Crysencio SummervilleCredit: RexArchie Gray celebrates winning at the EFL AwardsCredit: RexYOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASONARCHIE GRAY (Leeds)WHAT an incredible season for the academy graduate.The midfielder only broke into the side this season and at the age of just 18 has started 38 of Leeds’ 43 Championship games, and came off the bench for three others.He is one of the first names Daniel Farke puts on his team sheet every week.Had his first senior goal against Leicester taken off him and awarded as an own goal – but scored on his England Under-21s debut instead.LEAGUE ONEMANAGER OF THE SEASONWINNER – JOHN MOUSINHO (Portsmouth)WHEN Pompey announced John Mousinho as their new manager last season to replace Danny Cowley, fans were so underwhelmed.Some even thought they had misheard or that the South Coast club had littered the new manager’s name with typos … because surely they meant Jose Mourinho was the new boss, not Mousinho?But Mousinho, who gave up his job as chairman of the PFA to take the role, is quickly emerging as one of the bright sparks in the EFL.Porstmouth manager John Mousinho won League One Manager of the SeasonCredit: RexKenny Jackett and the Cowleys could not get the club across the line in their bid to get back into the upper divisions of English football.Made some clever signings this season. Keeper Will Norris has been superb along with the likes of Conor Shaughnessy, Abu Kamara was a great loan capture from Norwich.Plays good football and only needs a point to secure Championship football for the first time in 12 years.RUNNERS-UPDARREN FERGUSON (Peterborough)SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S son is like a boomerang for Posh … they throw him away and he keeps coming back.Now in his fourth spell as boss he is hoping to secure his fourth promotion to the Championship with the club to add to his other to League One.Has led the team to Bristol Street Motors Trophy glory … and nurtured some incredible talent at London Road.Local lad Harrison Burrows, who netted the two goals in their Wembley triumph against Wycombe, is the best left-back in League One and very much in the Leif Davis mould at Ipswich.Defender Ronnie Edwards has also developed under Ferguson. The club turned down bids worth millions in the January window.Darren Ferguson holds the Bristol Street Motors Trophy Final aloftCredit: RexSTEVE EVANS (Stevenage)One of the EFL’s characters. Evans is one of the best managers in the lower divisions and to have had Stevenage in with a shout of making the Championship having saved them from relegation to the National League is nothing short of remarkable.Unfortunately Borough look like they’re going to just fall short of making the play-offs but that does not take anything away from the job Evans has done.PLAYER OF THE SEASONHARRISON BURROWS (Peterborough)LEFT-BACK Harrison Burrows is going to have a bright future in the game and has been the standout player in the division this season.His two-goal match-winning performance for Posh in the EFL Trophy final against Wycombe was Roy of the Rovers stuff.The local boy is a lifelong Peterborough fan and his first trip to Wembley was to watch his heroes lift the same trophy when he was 12 ten years ago.His 13 assists and six goals have put Posh in with a shout for promotion and it’s no surprise Celtic tried to tempt the club to sell him in January with a bid.Great footballer and bloke too.Harrison Burrows has been a standout for Peterborough this seasonCredit: RexRUNNERS-UPNathaniel Mendez-Laing (Derby), Marlon Pack (Portsmouth)YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASONRONNIE EDWARDS (Peterborough)The 21-year-old defender has been a sensation for Posh.Already he has clocked 138 games and is almost certainly going to be on his way soon with Premier League clubs set to pounce this summer.Is a mature head on young shoulders, very solid, great in the air and an extremely confident passer of the ball.Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and teams from Germany and Belgium have been tracking the wonderkid.LEAGUE TWOMANAGER OF THE SEASONWINNER – NIGEL CLOUGH (Mansfield)FORMER England, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool ace Nigel Clough has understandably never got anywhere near the heights of his famous late day Brian.But Clough is certainly one of the best managers in League One and Two. The work he previously did with Burton is testament to that.Nigel Clough has got Mansfield punching above their weight in League TwoCredit: RexAnd this season up against big clubs like Wrexham and Stockport — who secured promotion at the weekend — he has managed to get the Stags punching in with them. One more win from their last three games will see them also promoted to the third tier.I reckon he’ll do well with the Stags in the higher division too. Can he get them into the Championship like he did with Burton?RUNNERS-UPLEE BELL (Crewe)THE ALEX boss has had his team punching well and truly above their weight this season.When I visited Bell at Gresty Road some weeks ago, he told me the club had the third lowest budget in the division … yet they are in the play-offs.MIKE WILLIAMSON (MK Dons)FORMER Newcastle defender took over in October after the Dons sacked Graham Alexander.He has done an admirable job getting MK into the automatic promotion picture but they will almost certainly have to contend with the play offs.PLAYER OF THE SEASONJODI JONES (Notts County)THE assist king of the EFL. He set up a County goal for the 23rd time this season in their 3-1 win at Walsall.It is just a pity that his efforts have not been enough to keep Notts in the promotion hunt.League Two Player of the Season Jodi Jones is the assist king this campaignCredit: RexThe 26-year-old has also fired six goals this term too.RUNNERS-UPDavis Keillor-Dunn (Mansfield), Elliot Lee (Wrexham)YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEARROB APTER (Tranmere)TWENTY-year-old Scouser has been in brilliant form on loan from Blackpool this term.It’s a surprise his parent club, who have given him a new contract until 2027, have not wanted the right-midfielder to be part of their League One campaign – but their loss this season has been Rovers’ gain.He is a tidy footballer with good passing, work-rate and engine. He will be playing at a higher level before long.Tranmere’s Rob Apter will surely be playing at a higher level soonCredit: RexTEAMS OF THE YEARCHAMPIONSHIP TEAM OF THE YEARKEEPERMADS HERMANSEN (Leicester)DEFENDERSKYLE WALKER-PETERS (Southampton), ETHAN AMPADU (Leeds), JACOB GREAVES (Hull), LEIF DAVIS (Ipswich)MIDFIELDERSGABRIEL SARA (Norwich), KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (Leicester)FORWARDSCRYSENCIO SUMMERVILLE (Leeds), SAMMIE SZMODICS (Blackburn), GEORGINIO RUTTER (Leeds), MORGAN WHITTAKER (Plymouth)Georginho Rutter, left, Crysencio Summerville, centre, and Ethan Ampadu celebrate making the EFL Team of the SeasonCredit: RexKyle Walker-Peters of Southampton also made the Championship Team of the YearCredit: RexLEAGUE ONE TEAM OF THE YEARKEEPERWILL NORRIS (Portsmouth)DEFENDERSJOSH DACRES-COGLEY (Bolton), CONOR SHAUGHNESSY (Portsmouth), EIRAN CASHIN (Derby), HARRISON BURROWS (Peterborough)MIDFIELDERSNATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING (Derby), MARLON PACK (Portsmouth), JOSH SHEEHAN (Bolton)FORWARDSALFIE MAY (Charlton), JAMIE REID (Stevenage), EPHRON MASON-CLARK (PeterboroughLeague One Team of the year celebrates winning their gongsCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLEAGUE TWO TEAM OF THE YEARKEEPERARTHUR OKONKWO (Wrexham)DEFENDERSFRASER HORSFALL (Stockport), ADEN FLINT (Mansfield), MICKEY DEMETRIOU (Crewe), BRAD HALLIDAY (Bradford)MIDFIELDERSJODI JONES (Notts County), ELLIOT LEE (Wrexham), LOUIS REED (Mansfield)READ MORE SUN STORIESFORWARDSDAVIS KEILLOR-DUNN (Mansfield), MATT SMITH (Salford), MACAULAY LANGSTAFF (Notts County)Wrexham Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been superb for the Red Dragons between the sticksCredit: PA More

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      Leeds star Crysencio Summerville ‘lined up for dream Euro transfer playing under legendary boss in Champions League’

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      NEWLY-CROWNED Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are tipped to join Premier League giants chasing Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville.The Dutchman has amassed amazing Championship stats of 18 goals and nine assists as Daniel Farke’s men press for an instant return to the Prem.Crysencio Summerville is being linked with a string of top clubsCredit: AlamyLeverkusen’s title-winning coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly keenCredit: GettyAnd Bild’s transfer expert Christian Falk believes the 22-year-old is already on the wish-list of Leverkusen’s Treble-seeking boss Xabi Alonso.Caen wonderkid Tidian Gomis is another candidate to freshen up the Germans’ squad.Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have already been linked with Summerville in recent weeks.West Ham and Newcastle are also said to be monitoring the Under-21 international.READ MORE EFL NEWSNot surprisingly, it’s claimed Leeds would want more than £40million for a star player who still has two years left on his contract.HITC reckon that at least eight leading clubs are on his trail.But despite playing the whole match, Summerville was unable to prevent Leeds’ surprise 1-0 home defeat against Blackburn on Saturday.Victory would have put the Elland Road side top of the Championship.Most read in EFLInstead they stay third, one point behind Leicester and two off Ipswich.Summerville began his career at Feyenoord from 2018-2020.As Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen seal Bundesliga title and leave Harry Kane on brink of trophyless seasonHowever, he spent a season apiece on loan at Dutch second-tier teams FC Dordrecht and Den Haag.He then joined Leeds in a three-year deal in September 2020 but had to wait 12 months for his Prem debut.But promising progress after that meant he was rewarded with an extended deal in August 2022 until 2026.Now Summerville is poised to be offered another shot at the Prem, be it with or without Leeds.And he could have options abroad too, now that Leverkusen’s reported interest has emerged.Alonso, right, and Leverkusen sports director Simon Rolfes salute fansCredit: GettyLeverkusen star Patrik Schick is engulfed by joyous supportersCredit: GettyAlonso and his players celebrate Bundesliga glory after Sunday’s 5-0 defeat of Werder Bremen dethroned Bayern Munich after 12 yearsCredit: APHow Xabi Alonso transformed Bayer LeverkusenBayer Leverkusen are the story of European football this season after being transformed by Xabi Alonso. CHARLIE WYETT looks at this stunning turnaround at the BayArena.

      FROM RELEGATION BATTLERS TO CHAMPIONS-IN-WAITING, IS THIS ALL DOWN TO ALONSO?In a nutshell, yes. He was appointed on October 5, 2022 when Leverkusen were second from bottom in the Bundesliga with five points from their opening eight games but incredibly, they ended up finishing sixth.Now, they are 16 points clear of Bayern with six games left.WHAT ARE HIS TACTICS?A hallmark of Alonso teams is a commitment to a fast-paced approach. With the ball, he likes to dominate possession and play in compact triangles but, a bit like Jurgen Klopp, he likes to get the ball up early into the final third.This season, 3-4-2-1 has become his preferred formation, with three centre-backs, wing-backs, a double-pivot in midfield and three forward players.WHAT ABOUT HIS TRANSFER BUSINESS?All eyes in Germany last summer were on Harry Kane’s arrival at Bayern Munich but Leverkusen delivered some clever work in the transfer market.They lost last season’s 14-goal top scorer Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa for £43million but spent the money wisely.Granit Xhaka arrived from Arsenal and is known as The King. Germany winger Jonas Hofmann joined for just £8.5m and left-back Alejandro Grimaldo was snapped up from Benfica on a free tranfer.Victor Boniface, top scorer in last season’s Europa League with six goals, signed from Union Saint-Gilloise for just £17.2m.SO WHAT ARE LEVERKUSEN’S STRENGTHS?They have been scintillating up front. Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, 20, has been outstanding, along with Xhaka, centre-back Jonathan Tah and joint top-scorer at Euro 2020 Patrik Schick.Nigerian Boniface was a huge success until his injury at the Africa Cup of Nations but he has just returned.WHAT WAS THE REACTION WHEN ALONSO CONFIRMED HE WOULD STAY FOR NEXT SEASON?As you would expect, the club’s fans — fearing their manager was off to Liverpool or Bayern Munich — were absolutely delighted. But inside the club there was not much surprise.Sporting director Simon Rolfes enjoys a great relationship with Alonso, who earns £5m-a-year.DID HE EXPECT TO DOTHIS WELL?In his first press conference of the season, Alonso was asked whether he was aiming for the Bundesliga title. He surprised the journalists by saying: “August is not the time to speak about medals but let’s see in May . . . ”WHO WILL THEY SELL NEXT?The club have a remarkable record of nurturing and selling top talent, including Kai Havertz (Chelsea) and Son Heung-min (Tottenham).Now, it looks as though Wirtz could be next, although he would cost over £100m. Arsenal full-back target Jeremie Frimpong, 23, has a £34m release clause. More

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      Newcastle star Jacob Murphy’s identical twin brother Josh in six-way transfer battle after wowing scouts

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      JOSH MURPHY’S red-hot form has attracted interest from five Championship clubs and the MLS.The twin brother of Newcastle ace Jacob scored and set up two in Oxford United’s 5-0 thumping of Peterborough on Saturday – and is available on a free transfer this summer.Oxford’s wanted wideman Josh Murphy celebrates scoring vs PoshCredit: RexBrothers Josh and Jacob began their careers together at NorwichCredit: Rex FeaturesScouts from Southampton, West Brom, QPR, Sunderland and Hull along with Minnesota were present at the Kassam Stadium, with the 29-year-old out of contract at the end of the season.The winger has netted six times in his last 12 League One matches to fire Oxford into the play-off spots.U’s boss Des Buckingham said: “He’s a wonderful player. I’m delighted to see how happy he is enjoying his football.”But unless Oxford win promotion to the Championship, they are braced for talisman Murphy to move on in the summer.Buckingham added:”He’s very settled and if he keeps performing that way, I’m sure he’ll attract interest.”Murphy once cost an £11million transfer fee when Cardiff paid Norwich that sum of money in 2018.He arrived at Oxford on a two-year deal in July 2022.And his scintillating form is a major reason they are so well-placed to win a play-off place.Most read in EFLThe U’s sit sixth, having a three-point advantage and a game in hand on Blackpool just below them.Meanwhile, brother Jacob missed 19 games with a shoulder injury this season before returning for Newcastle in January.Newcastle reveal incredible new hi-tech shirt that allows deaf fans to experience atmosphere for first timeHe was an unused sub in Saturday’s 4-0 thumping of Tottenham.But he will hope to get more game time as the sixth-placed Magpies push to clinch a place in Europe for next season. More

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      Leicester shrug off FFP woes as they send chief scout to Brazil despite Premier League points deduction worry

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      LEICESTER are checking out the Brazilian market despite doubts about promotion and their FFP issues.City sent top scout and former defender Sean St Ledger to South America as they seek bargains for a potential Premier League return.Leicester boss Enzo Maresca wants to unearth some hidden gems in BrazilCredit: GettyFoxes manager Enzo Maresca is keen to improve the quality of his squad after they blew a 17-point lead in the Championship in recent months.Former head of recruitment Steve Walsh famously discovered Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante.And now Italian Maresca believes Brazil could be the place to find some hidden gems for a good price.Leicester have only ever had one Brazilian play for the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWinger Tete joined on loan for the second half of last season but, despite scoring on his debut away at Aston Villa, could not help keep the East Midlanders in the top flight. Leicester signed Harry Winks, Conor Coady, Stephy Mavididi, Mads Hermansen, Tom Cannon and youngster Arjan Raikhy in the summer.But their financial woes saw frustrated Maresca prevented from bringing anyone else in during the January transfer window. Leicester remain just about on course for an immediate promotion despite six defeats in their last ten league games.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey are currently second on 88 points, one behind leaders Ipswich but with a game in hand on the Tractor Boys.However, they have lost their last two matches 1-0 away at Millwall and Plymouth – but have been boosted by dips in form by rivals Ipswich and Leeds, too. Harry Winks voices his disappointment as Leicester blows 17-point lead as Leeds overtake Foxes in table To make matters worse for Leicester, they are in financial disarray off the field which may well land the club a points deduction should they get promoted. The Foxes broke deficit limits for 2022-23 but launched a legal case accusing the Prem and EFL of “unlawfully conspiring” over the charges and asking for an injunction against a penalty being imposed before the end of the season.The EFL wanted to throw the book at the King Power side over their Premier League charge for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.However, a ruling means the EFL do not have the authority to do so – meaning it will be down to the Premier League to sanction Leicester.And that means should Maresca’s side get over the line in the race for promotion, they may well end up kicking off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign on minus points. Tete is the only Brazilian to play for LeicesterCredit: Getty More

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      Gareth Southgate ‘considering shock Euro 2024 call-up for Championship star’ after glittering performances

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is considering picking Brighton and Swansea keeper Carl Rushworth in his Euro 2024 squad, according to reports.The England boss, 53, has a number of fitness and selection concerns behind Three Lions No1 Jordan Pickford.Swansea keeper Carl Rushworth is on loan at Swansea from BrightonCredit: AlamyGareth Southgate is considering picking Rushworth in his Euros squadCredit: GettyThe Everton man’s deputy, Aaron Ramsdale, 25, has been dislodged in the Arsenal goal by David Raya.He has started just six Premier League games this season and was an unused substitute in England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Newcastle keeper Nick Pope, 31, has been sidelined since December with a dislocated shoulder.Sam Johnstone, 31, is expected to be out until the end of the campaign after undergoing elbow surgery.And Burnley man James Trafford, 21, recently lost his spot in Vincent Kompany’s side as the Clarets have begun starting Arijanet Muric.Now The Mirror are reporting Swansea man Rushworth, 22, is being considered for a shock place in Southgate’s Euros squad.The young shot-stopper, on loan from Brighton, is expected to win the Championship side’s player of the season award.He has started every one of Swansea’s league matches in the 2023/24 campaign and kept nine clean sheets.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRushworth has been superb for Swansea in the Championship this seasonIt comes after impressive loan spells with both Lincoln and Walsall.Rushworth, who is under contract with Brighton until 2027, has a strong list of attributes which are said to include “quick reflexes, calmness, and an ability to pass out from the back”.Die-hard England fan cuts message into grass for Southgate and Co ahead of Euro 2024 that can be seen from SPACEHe has played just once for England’s U21s – which came in June 2023 in a 2-0 defeat to Japan.He went to last year’s U21 Euros but did not feature in England’s triumphant campaign as Trafford proved to be the hero in between the sticks. More

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      Ex-Premier League team’s stars left crying in dressing room after ‘scandalous’ decision leaves them facing relegation

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      HUDDERSFIELD players were left “crying in the dressing room” after a controversial late penalty decision went against them in their 1-1 draw with Bristol City.Terriers boss Andre Breitenreiter thought his side had earned a huge three points in their battle against the drop when Josh Koroma broke the deadlock in the 81st minute at Ashton Gate. Huddersfield’s Oliver Turton was punished for this ‘handball’ in stoppage timeCredit: Twitter / @AnalysisBCFCHuddersfield manager Andre Breitenreiter could not believe the award of the penaltyCredit: GettyBut they were denied deep into stoppage time when Cameron Pring’s cross was adjudged to have struck the arm of Oliver Turton.Referee Rebecca Welch pointed to the spot in the 99th minute of the game, despite it being unclear whether it had even hit Turton’s arm and his close proximity to the ball.Nakhi Wells converted the spot kick in the 101st minute to salvage a draw for Bristol City.The result leaves Championship side Huddersfield one point adrift of safety with just three games remaining.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd German coach Breitenreiter, 50, revealed after the game that his team were shedding tears in the dressing room.He said: “I disagree with the penalty decision but the boys played really well.”Now they’re crying in the dressing room because they don’t understand how they haven’t won and its frustrating.”It’s hard, but the performance was great.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTurton, who gave away the penalty, had only come off the bench in the 95th minute as Huddersfield looked to see the game out.And Breitenreiter divulged his conversation with official Welch as he searched for clarity regarding the decision.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotHe said: “We spoke to the referee a few minutes ago and she hasn’t seen the replay after the game yet.”I told her that she has to be 100 per cent right to give a penalty in the last minute.”But, let us speak about our performance, we cannot change the decisions in the game.”Calling on VAR to be introduced in the the second tier, he then added: “You need VAR here in the Championship, for sure.”We always have discussions in the Premier League about how long it takes but we want to have fair decisions, and it was unfair today, it was unfair for the boys and they cannot understand.“I don’t want to criticise the referee in public and we’ve told her our views, we just hope that we have a little bit more luck.”Fans also voiced their disdain for the decision, with one saying: “Absolutely abysmal.”Another added: “Never a penalty.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third replied: “Appalling decision.”And a fourth simply responded: “Scandalous.” More

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      Ipswich ready to push through £15m Man City star transfer after impressive stint with promotion rival

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      IPSWICH are ready to pounce for Manchester City centre-half Taylor Harwood-Bellis if they beat Southampton to promotion.Harwood-Bellis, 22, will sign for Saints in a £15million switch should they bounce straight back to the top flight at the end of his year-long loan.Ipswich are keen on a transfer swoop for Manchester City and England defender Taylor Harwood-BellisCredit: GettyBut they can only afford to buy him if they go up.Plus, the contract on offer is designed for the Premier League.The England Under-21 player seems sure to leave City permanently.And there will be a rush for him if he comes back on the market in the summer.READ MORE FOOTBALLClassy defender Harwood-Bellis is hoping for two successive promotions.He played a key role in Burnley’s title win last season.But this year the U21 Euros champ looks set to have to settle for a place in the play-offs after Southampton lost ground on the top three – although Leicester, Ipswich and Leeds are all stumbling towards the finish line. He has 35 Championship appearances so far with two goals, three assists and 11 clean sheets. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHarwood-Bellis’ aim, though, is to play in the Prem.City are also counting on the cash as they look to balance the books at their end and let some fringe players go.Man Utd legend Roy Keane agrees with Gary Neville about how much he would be worth in today’s transfer marketAnother young defender impressing on loan has been Ashley Phillips.The Tottenham youngster, 18, is at Plymouth this season.However, Sheffield United have identified him as a possible transfer target for the summer. The defender is spending this season on loan at SouthamptonCredit: Getty More

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      My dad is a former England coach and top-flight star – now I have fourth most English league appearances in history

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      TONY BLAIR was Prime Minister, The West Wing was on TV and 18-year-old Dean Lewington made his senior debut for Wimbledon.And 21 YEARS later the defender is still going strong.Dean Lewington is still going strong after over 20 yearsCredit: GettyLewington started his career in the fallout of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegationCredit: PAHe is set to make his 939th appearance in a huge fourth-v-third clash when MK Dons host Mansfield today.Lewington sits fourth in the all-time English league outings with 814 — a feat bettered only by England legend Peter Shilton (1,005), Tony Ford (931) and Graham Alexander (833).Meeting for coffee in leafy Surrey, I asked what secret lay behind his astonishing career.He laughed: “I wish I knew because I’d sell it for a few quid! Probably being happy and lucky with injuries.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut for a man who turns 40 next month, there must be more to it?Lewington said: “I caught the back-end of old-school football when there was the drinking culture. “Yet I’ve been lucky to benefit from modern training methods and nutritionists.“The diet is nothing in excess, fruit and vegetables, all good stuff and looking after yourself.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlthough he technically stayed at one club, he made 32 appearances for Wimbledon before they controversially switched to Milton Keynes in 2004 — with pre-MK history officially relinquished to AFC.Lewington started his career in the fallout of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegation from the Premier League and was in the team that moved to MK.Super League star wakes up unemployed after nightmare spell of just EIGHT games in which he forced a rewriting of rulesAFC Wimbledon were created, gaining EFL status, building a new stadium at Plough Lane, not far from their old ground, and now in the same division as MK.Lewington, the only MK player left from the ‘old’ Wimbledon, said: “It was a baptism of fire — but lucky most of us playing then were youngsters who came through the youth side.“Because of our age, we saw it as a good opportunity and didn’t worry about the side-effects.“Hindsight is wonderful and no one would want to repeat what happened.“But AFC have gone on and done well. There’s no animosity from me. I’m glad they’re doing what they’re doing but my focus is on MK.”Lewington has played in all three EFL divisions — enjoying three promotions but suffering five relegations.Last season’s drop into League Two came only a year after almost winning promotion to the Championship — following a heartbreaking loss to Wycombe over two play-off legs.He said: “I’ve been relegated twice and promoted twice on the last day. It’s been a career in the lower leagues, so unglamorous — but a happy one.The diet is nothing in excess, fruit and vegetables, all good stuff and looking after yourself.Dean Lewington“I’ve changed position slightly but was always a tall full-back, quite aggressive, composed on the ball, good passer. “But I’m not overly athletic so that’s held me back.”His career highlight was winning promotion to the Championship in 2015 under Karl Robinson with Dele Alli leading the way — prompting Tottenham to sign him for £5million.And Lewington said: “After relegations from the Championship to League Two, we wanted to get back there.“It took more than ten years but the club got into a positive place.“We had Dele coming through, the youth team was producing and everything was on the up.“Dele trained with us since he was 15. It was a pleasure to play alongside and see him fulfil his potential.“Getting into the Championship felt like a chance for the club to establish itself. It didn’t work out but that brief moment was the best.”’I was told I wasn’t wanted and could train elsewhere’The club were only in the second tier for a season, and two years after that they were back in League Two.Lewington’s stay with MK came close to ending twice.A swap deal involving Huddersfield’s Pawel Abbott in 2006 fell through when the Terriers man pulled out, and in 2017 Lewington was frozen out by ex-boss Robbie Neilson.The latter was Lewington’s lowest moment. He said: “Neilson banned me from the club for about six weeks. “I was told I wasn’t wanted and could train elsewhere. That’s when I thought, ‘Perhaps my time at MK is over’. But he got sacked and things changed.”During that time, his dad Ray — ex-Fulham, Brentford and Watford boss and England No 2 — was invaluable.He said: “With dad being in the game, I’ve learnt to realise it’s not personal. Managers try to pick their best XI and sometimes it doesn’t include you.“You feel like they don’t know what they’re doing and the world is against you but they’re trying to do their best.”His standout manager was current Southampton boss and former team-mate Russell Martin.Roy Hodgson with with assistant Ray Lewington during their England daysCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe explained: “Russ believes in what he does 100 per cent. There’s no Plan B — it’s his way and you stick to it.“Some managers, when hitting a tough patch, change things but not him. That’s what makes him effective.“He took over when we were fighting relegation from League One.“He changed us to complete football, which is the opposite of what teams usually do in those situations.“It was a real risk but he believed in it. It’s like going back to your childhood, playing free-flowing football.”His only regret is MK having not fulfilled chairman Pete Winkelman’s ambition to reach the Prem — or stay in the Championship.But Lewington said: “The reality is it costs a lot of money to get in the Premier League now. “When the club was formed, the gap between the top flight and the EFL was smaller.“The stadium and infrastructure are there so if someone wants to take it on, it could definitely happen.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSo with his 40th birthday approaching, what does the future hold?He said: “At some point I’ll go down the coaching route. But I’ll keep playing for as long as I can.” More